Housing and mount for air moving apparatus

ABSTRACT

A novel improved housing for blowers and method of assembly therefor is made possible by forming a housing which is characterized by its having a uniform cross section, being formed of a single extruded body of aluminum, and being so formed as to receive end plates which can be screwed thereto, the end plates being of a shape to match the semi-involute form of the housing, thereby to make it possible to assemble a housing for a blower consisting of the three pieces, and the method comprising the steps involved in extruding the body stamping the endpieces and assembling the whole.

United States Patent 2,290,423 7/1942 Funk.......

Primary Examiner-C. J. I-Iusar Robert W. Lester [72] Inventor 54 George St., Manhasset, N.Y. l 1030 52313 Attorney-Thomas B. Graham s [45] Patented Dec. 7, 1971 ABSTRACT: A novel improved housing for blowers and possible by forming a having a uniform cross method of assembly therefor is made [54] HOUSING AND MOUNT FOR AIR MOVING housing which is characterized by its APPARATUS section, being formed of a single extruded body of aluminum, and being so formed as to receive end plates which can be screwed thereto, the end plates being of a shape to match the semi-involute form of the housing, there 3 Clnlms,5 Drawing Figs.

by to make it possible to assemble a housing for a blower consisting of the three 415/54, pieces, and the method comprising the steps involved in ex- 108, 204, 206, 214, 219 truding the body stamping the endpieces and assembling the whole. References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,845,152 2/1932 Hutchinson..................

PATENTEUDEB Yum 3.626626 SHEET 1 [IF 2 [NV/,N'l HR. ROBERT W. LESTER ATTORNEY PATENTEDDEC 719?! 3,625,826

SHEET 2 BF 2 INVI'JN'I Hl\' ROBERT W. LESTER ATTORNEY HOUSING AND MOUNT FOR AIR MOVING APPARATUS THE INVENTION This invention is concerned with a novel housing for air moving apparatus or rotary turbine style vanes, or centrifugaltype blowers, characterized by their being formed of three sections, a longitudinal overall housing for the blower, endplates within which the blower shaft and bearings are carried, the endplates being fastened to the housing to form a unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is trite to say that air moving apparatus or air blowers formed with vanes and centrifugal types are common, and that the movement of air from small volumes such as could be used in miladys hairdrier, to large volumes which are necessary for the ventilation of structures is a technical problem of constant long standing and long magnitude. Commonly the centrifugaltype blower which is used in a variety of small, medium, and relatively large applications consists of an elongated shaft carried by two or more bearing supports, which shaft carries blade or sequence of blades, properly curved, so that on rotation they will catch and throw air. By housing this type of impeller in an appropriate structure shaped to take in and expel air as the stream generated by the impeller the blower structure is formed.

Generally, the housing is formed of sheet steel, which is bent several times along a longitudinal direction to form a shape desired. It then has spot welded to it a sequence of brackets to provide for the attachment thereto of plates which serve to carry the shaft on which the impeller is mounted. The disadvantages of this type of structure are largely in the manufacture, because the relatively complicated shape requires a complicated sequence of bends, followed by welds, and thereafter, final assembly. It is obvious that this kind of procedure, while it leads to a structurally sound housing generates substantial costs in fabrication, because each maneuver with the material contributes to that cost.

It is accordingly a basic object of this invention to provide a method of assembling a housing and fabricating a housing for an air moving apparatus of the centrifugal blower-type which will be characterized by its simplicity of fabrication and concomitant simplicity of assembly, thereby, to make possible the substantial savings which will be involved through such simplifications.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and in part appear hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is embodied in the construction of a housing of novel form for an air blower particularly the axial centrifugal-type, wherein the external shell of housing, having a modified involute cross section consists of an extruded aluminum, or aluminum alloy, element formed with corrugations, or ribs, external to the housing, thereby to provide thickness, stiffness, and strength, and further, having spaced channels in the extruded ribs the section to receive assembly screws. The whole is extruded in substantial length, which is cut to appropriate sublengths for assembly into a blower housing. A housing consists of the body section with end sections stamped to shape having, screw holes properly placed therein to be aligned with those in the extruded section and an infinitely variable vane between end sections carrying a lock screw adapted to lock the vane in any position along an appropriately radially placed arcuate slot. The vane defines the difference between the air inlet and the outlet section of the housing.

Thus, the invention is embodied in the elements of the combination and the combination of parts as well as the concept of the assembly unit, and in the relationship of the several parts, and the relationship of the manufacture to their place in the combination, and ultimate performance in the whole apparatus.

The details of the invention will be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings wherein,

FIG. I is an isometric view of the full embodiment of the housing showing a complete assembled unit in slightly spaced relation to a discharge duct opening.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view, axially of the blower, with the housing removed to show the relationship of the shape of the internal parts and the end sections to the full assembly;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged end isometric view of a housing;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the endplate of the machine;

FIG. 5 is an end view of an alternative form of the housing.

Referring now to FIG. I wherein the entire assembly is shown properly oriented, 10 represents the overall machine carried within housing 11, which is closed by endplates I2 and 13, and carries bearing plates 14 and 15, which in turn carry shaft 16, which is connected to the motor 17. The housing is attached to a matching face plate 18 which may be the opening of a duct or, vent, or whatever device the circulation of air requires.

The internal portion of the machine may be seen and its relationship to the total housing understood by reference to FIG. 2. There the bearing plate 14 is shown in connection with internal bearing plate 21, wherein shaft I6 carries centrifugal blower cage 22, which is formed of blades mounted on disks 23, 24 and 25. At the other end of the device the bearing plate 15 together with base plates 26 and 27 constitute the end assembly for the motor 17. In conventional fashion the end shaft 28 of the motor has a flattened section which is keyed to the bearing shaft 16 of the blower. This is all a conventional keying operation and a setscrew would be a perfectly appropriate mechanism for so doing.

It is understood that the assembly shown in FIG. 2 is for purposes of orientation with respect to the housing and is not to be considered a part of the invention, other than in the respect in which the end bearing plates 14 and 15 are keyed to the end support plates 12 and 13 of the housing itself.

In FIG. 3 it will be observed that the housing consists of an arcuate section 30 having one end bent to form a lip 31 and the other correspondingly formed to have a lip 32. This is the basic cross section of the blower housing. The orientation of the shaft of the blower and the blower 22 itself are indicated in respect to the geometric form of the modified involute outline of the external housing. The housing is extruded with external ribs or thickness areas 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38 to the number of screws which are to be used around the arcuate portion of the housing. In these rib areas are formed in the extrusion circular channels 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44 with the circular portion thereof of a diameter suitable to receive an assembly screw. In this fashion the entire form is projectable from a central axis and thus forms a scroll or semi-involute curve which is adaptable for direct extrusion from a die as an appropriate channel. Generallythe housing is formed in this fashion by extrusion from aluminum or aluminum magnesium alloys, thereby to gain the advantage of weight saving, cost saving, and simplicity of fabrication.

In FIG. 4 are shown the plan view of the end plate supports. Here is can be seen that endplate 50 has an outline which includes a straight edge 51, and corresponding straight edge 52, and an involute curved portion 53 matching the outline of the housing itself. This sheet is of the appropriate thickness to match the extruded housing and in a single progressive die is shaped and punched to take its outline and openings for the screws and bearings shaft.

In FIG. 5 I have shown a variant of the housing and extrusion used therefor in that channels for receiving the screws to hold the endplate in place are external to the housing rather than internal. Thus, the housing is formed with the end lips 71 and 72, and the external ribs 73 and 74, 75, 76, 77, 78. The external ribs consist of circular sections with open channels so that the entire outline of the housing is suitable for extrusion. The orifice of the die must be a continuous curve to allow for the formation of this section. By appropriately relating the external channels or holes to the center radius it is possible to have a single geometric endplate formed to match either housing, that is the housing with the internal screw channels, FIG. 3 or the external screw channels, FIG. 5.

Provision for the directing the flow of air into and out of the blower housing is made by providing for the hinged vane shown in FIG. 4.

Reference back to FlG. 4 will show the manner in which the air directing vane is mounted in the inlet-outlet face of the lower housing. Thus, at pivot point 80, which serves as a central point, there is mounted a pivot, or screw, around which is hinged the blade 81 of the vane 82. The other end of the vane has likewise turned to form a circular receptacle for a set screw 83 which is movable in slot 84, the slot 84 being an arc having its center at 80. Thus, the vane can be positioned at any point along the arc. The vane consists of a single extruded element having a section shown in FIG. 3, where the shape appears clearly as a simple sheet vane pivoted to be mounted within the housing, parallel to the inner face of the housing itself. Essentially the vane consists merely of the pivoted plate adjustable around point 80 to restrict the air intake or the air outlet opening, depending upon the manner of operation desired. That is, if it is desired to have a high-velocity discharge, the vane is turned to reduce the size of the air discharge opening to obtain this effect.

Referring back to H0. 3 it will be observed that the structure consists fundamentally of the extruded housing of the essentially involute form. It is not precisely an involute curve, but it is related thereto in that the air picked up by the blades of the impeller is thrown off the blades and guided out of the housing by being thrown against the inside face of the housing. The approximate involute form is close to an ideal shape of outlet for the apparatus, in fact the lip at the start of the curve must be as close as practicable to the wheel.

The housing itself being of extruded form is as inexpensive manufacture as can be. It is extruded in substantial length and, for assembly of specific blowers, it can be cut to appropriate length to meet the requirement of the customer. The screw holes 39, 40 etc. are extruded or formed as the extrusion is made. By providing ribs of extra thickness the advantage of adequate strength to permit this kind of operation is obtained and, at the same time, the convenience of accurately placed screw holes is also felt without the necessity of going to the expense of providing an extra operation to install them.

In assembly it is apparent that having formed the housing 30 of appropriate diameter and length all that remains is to assemble it around the impeller and motor. Thus, the cage 22 consisting of its end shaft 16 and blades, and disks 23, 24 and 25 is assembled, bearing plates 21 and 26 are inserted in place, then endplates such as shown in FIG. 4 for one end and the mirror image for the other end are mounted, following which bearing plates 14 and 15 are screwed in place and the whole fitted within the housing 11. Thereafter, the motor 57 or 17 can be inserted, screwed in place and the device is ready for service.

In those situations where it is desired to provide for a heated air discharge which is common in hair driers the insertion of a heater and switch in the air outlet duct as indicated in FlGS. 3, 5 and 1 can be accomplished. A simple electric rod heater, which is incorporated into the circuit for driving the motor, and has a separate switch to give the operator the option of cool or warm air is all that is involved in making this portion of the installation.

It will be apparent from the detailed description of the device that the actually assembly of fabrication of the blower housing has been reduced to 3 pieces, namely, the housing, properly shaped with reinforcing ribs and screw holes formed therein, endplates formed in a progressive die or progressive stamping operation are likewise formed accurately to shape with holes aligned with those in the housing for receiving screws; thereafter, selfthreading screws in the final assembly hold the elements together in adequate performing style.

It should be apparent that the formation of an air moving device or blower in this manner involves the creation of a housing which has a single axis about which a certain symmetry of the housing can be developed. That is, the curve of the inside or the outside of the housing or the form of that housing correspond to a curve in space which is generated by the movement of a line parallel to he axis following a certain law which for lack of a better term I have indicated to be a modified involute curve.

What is claim is:

1. in a blower comprising a motor, a first shaft driven by said motor, the first shaft being axially aligned with and connected to a second shaft carrying air impeller blades said second shaft being carried by bearings in a housing, the improvement comprising a housing consisting of a single involute form extruded element having an axis corresponding to the axis carrying the air impeller blades of the blower, said extruded housing having screw openings formed therein along its cross sectional edge, said screw openings being continuous open channels in said housing running the length thereof, and end plates for said housing formed of single stamped pieces, said end plates matching the ends of said extruded housing, said endplates also carrying a pivot and detent mechanism for holding an air control vane in axial position to regulate the relative proportions of air being taken into said housing and air being discharged from said housing.

2. The housing in accordance with claim 1 wherein the housing is formed having external ribs and internal circular channels coinciding in location with said ribs, said channels being of a diameter suitable to receive assembly screws.

3. The housing in accordance with claim 1, wherein the housing is formed having internal ribs and internal circular channels coinciding in location with said ribs, said channels being of a diameter suitable to receive assembly screws.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent 3 625.626 Dated December 7. 1971 Inven fl Robert W. Lester It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Front Page, cancel"[2l] Appl. No. 399,400" and insert in lieu thereof the following:

- Appl. No. 003,994

Signed and sealed this 9th day of May 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLE.'ICHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSGHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. In a blower comprising a motor, a first shaft driven by said motor, the first shaft being axially aligned with and connected to a second shaft carrying air impeller blades, said second shaft being carried by bearings in a housing, the improvement comprising a housing consisting of a single involute form extruded element having an axis corresponding to the axis carrying the air impeller blades of the blower, said extruded housing having screw openings formed therein along its cross sectional edge, said screw openings being continuous open channels in said housing running the length thereof, and end plates for said housing formed of single stamped pieces, said end plates matching the ends of said extruded housing, said endplates also carrying a pivot and detent mechanism for holding an air control vane in axial position to regulate the relative proportions of air being taken into said housing and air being discharged from said housing.
 2. The housing in accordance with claim 1 wherein the housing is formed having external ribs and internal circular channels coinciding in location with said ribs, said channels being of a diameter suitable to receive assembly screws.
 3. The housing in accordance with claim 1, wherein the housing is formed having internal ribs and internal circular channels coinciding in location with said ribs, said channels being of a diameter suitable to receive assembly screws. 